**What’s Happening in Baja?**
**Baja’s Boom in Medical Tourism**
Baja California has become a prime destination for medical tourism, attracting 4.5 million visitors seeking various treatments. Ensenada is experiencing a notable rebound post-pandemic, thanks to efforts spotlighted by Atzimba Villegas Pérez, president of the Health Tourism Association. Tijuana draws 57% of these medical tourists, while Ensenada’s share has risen to 15%.
Popular medical services include plastic surgery, orthopedics, stem cell treatments, and gynecology. This surge in demand has sparked developments such as the Epione Medical Plaza, which aims to integrate medical facilities with hospitality and dining venues. Villegas emphasizes Baja California’s role as a leader in responsible medical tourism, advocating for accredited professionals and well-developed infrastructure. Furthermore, Ensenada is positioning itself as a hub for wellness and assisted living, attracting increased investment and economic activity, particularly appealing to aging baby boomers.
**Hugo Torres Chabert Chronicles His Legacy**
In an emotionally charged event, businessman and politician Hugo Eduardo Torres Chabert unveiled his book “My Commitment to Rosarito 1943-2023.” The book discusses his dedication to Rosarito’s development and the evolution of Hotel Rosarito. Held at Hotel Rosarito’s Salón Mexicano, the launch saw attendance from friends, family, and special guests.
The book captures Torres Chabert’s journey, highlighting milestones such as Rosarito’s municipalization, his retirement from politics, and his family’s management of the hotel. It also underscores his contributions to local culture and education, promoting civic life and supporting cultural events in schools. Dedicated to the people of Rosarito, his family, and friends, this 149-page book includes exclusive photographs documenting Rosarito’s history. Torres Chabert regards the book as a reflection of his legacy and a gift to inspire future generations.
**Baja’s Improving Credit Rating**
The financial governance under Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda has resulted in an improved credit rating for Baja California. As reported by HR Ratings, the rating has been elevated from HR BBB to HR BBB+, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Governor Ávila noted that this financial achievement has strengthened Baja California’s economy, attracting investment and creating better job opportunities. A significant financial surplus was realized in 2023, marking the third successive enhancement on their credit rating. Key infrastructure projects—like the expansion of the La Nopalera water treatment plant in Tecate and the overhaul of Rosarito Norte’s wastewater treatment plant—played crucial roles in this upgrade. The manufacturing sector’s robustness also significantly contributes to Baja California’s economic standing, impacting the national GDP positively.
**Challenges for Rosarito’s Tourism Sector**
Tourism in Rosarito has faced setbacks due to purportedly ineffective local policing, according to Rosario Castillo, a local restaurant owner. He stated that 2023 and 2024 have been among the most challenging years for tourism in the city, largely impacted by the municipal police’s shortcomings, particularly in the Traffic division.
Castillo expressed optimism that with new local leadership under Rocio Adame, issues like police extortion and growing insecurity will be addressed. He mentioned that police officers often exploit tourists’ unfamiliarity with local laws by stopping them for trivial infractions, such as tinted windows, and using these situations for extortion. The new administration is expected to prioritize preventive measures over punitive actions.
**Baja to Gain from New Social Housing Initiatives**
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda has indicated that Baja California will benefit from a new social housing program under incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. This program was announced during the opening ceremony for a new Infonavit Service Center in Tijuana, with Infonavit’s Director General, Carlos Martínez Velásquez, in attendance.
Ávila Olmeda emphasized the State Housing Plan as unique in the nation, focusing on building modern, spacious worker residences, especially in San Quintín. The governor highlighted efforts to eliminate local taxes, making affordable housing more accessible and promoting the revitalization of abandoned properties. These efforts underscore a strategic focus to cater to workers’ housing needs, which have been previously overlooked by major developers.
**Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride: A Triumph**
The 45th Rosarito-Ensenada Bike Ride drew over three thousand cyclists, generating an economic impact estimated at more than a million dollars, according to Claudia Ley, the event’s organizer. The ride coincided with a long weekend, encouraging many visitors to extend their stays and further boosting the local economy.
Participants flocked from across Mexico, the U.S., and countries like Peru, Colombia, and others in Central America. The State Tourism Department’s analysis considered not only the cyclists but also their companions, reflecting the event’s significant economic infusion. Ley expressed gratitude for the sustained support of the event over the years and looks forward to enhancing its reputation for promoting family-oriented, healthy tourism in Ensenada.
**President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Vision for Baja**
In her first national address, new President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled ambitious initiatives for Baja California. Her plans encompass major infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring water supply, expanding ports like Punta Colonet, and maintaining border tax incentives.
Sheinbaum emphasized a commitment to promoting clean energy, including facilitating private participation, reducing gasoline use, and advancing electromobility. Initiatives also target improved water management and expanded irrigation over 200,000 hectares. Additionally, plans for substantial housing registration and solar panel installations are in the works to lower electricity costs for residents in high-tariff zones.
**Impressive Export Performance by Baja California**
In the second quarter of 2024, Baja California emerged as Mexico’s third-largest export contributor, with exports totaling $14.35 billion, representing 10.3% of the country’s total. As reported by Inegi, the state saw a 4.4% annual rise in export value.
Significantly, Baja California was a leader in the export of computing, communication, and electronic equipment, reaching $4.03 billion or 19.5% of the national total, second only to Chihuahua. The state also held a strong position in exporting electrical components and power generation equipment, contributing $882.8 million or 10.2% of the national total. Although there was a 23.1% decrease in agricultural exports, totaling $307.8 million, Baja California remains pivotal to Mexico’s export landscape, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors.
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**Secondary Article**
**Seaweed Farming Booms in Baja California**
In recent years, Baja California has seen a remarkable rise in sustainable seaweed farming, becoming a promising alternative for local communities. Seaweed, known for its potential in combating climate change by absorbing CO2, offers economic benefits, particularly in regions reliant on declining fishing stocks.
The Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean’s temperate waters make Baja California ideal for diverse seaweed cultivation. Local initiatives, backed by government and private investments, aim to scale production for both local consumption and export, focusing on high-value varieties used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
These efforts align with global trends recognizing seaweed’s role in sustainable food systems and environmental conservation. As Baja California continues to cement its position as a leader in innovative aquaculture, the region’s coastal communities anticipate improved livelihoods and resilience against environmental and market changes.